Game of chance

ABSTRACT

A House Game of chance using both tangible and electronic Gaming Media having a plurality of Gaming Pieces displaying one of at least two recognizable Characteristics and a single Ranking Element such that at least two Game Pieces can be ranked one in respect to the other. In accordance with the play, a Dealer and at least one Player receive Game Piece(s) in a manner such that at least the Ranking Element of the Dealer&#39;s Game Piece is initially not perceivable by any Player. Each Player may Wager prior to receiving his Game Piece or after receiving his Game Piece, but prior to seeing at least the Ranking Element of the Dealer&#39;s Game Piece against which the Wager is made. A winning Hand is defined by the Player having a Game Piece of the same Characteristic(s) as that of the Dealer and having a Ranking Element either greater or less than the Ranking Element of that of the Dealer depending on the Rules for that Hand. In the aspect where cards are used as the Gaming Media, the Dealer and at least one Player are dealt a card from a standard 52-card deck having four suits (Characteristics) and Ranking Elements from 2 to “ACE” in a standard fashion. A Player bets either prior to receiving his card or after viewing his card, but before the Dealer reveals at least the rank of his card to the Player. If the Rules for this Hand are that the higher rank card wins, then if the Player matches the suit of the Dealer&#39;s card with a card having a Ranking Element greater than that of the Dealer, then the Player wins and the Dealer pays the Player an amount equal to the Player&#39;s bet otherwise Dealer takes the bet.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to simple games of chance adapted to house or casino type gambling and wagering. Wagering or gambling has been practiced since the dawn of communicative man. Games of chance have been known throughout recorded history. Numerous games such as cards, dice, and the like have been developed over the years to accommodate man's desire to gamble. Many in the modem adult population enjoy gambling. This spans a large spectrum, from playing the horses, to prize fights, to games specifically designed to accommodate this pass time. These designed games range from informal, i.e. those played at home, to more formal and even higher stake, games played in gaming establishments, such as a casino. Indeed, numerous state governments have recognized this predilection for formal wagering by sponsoring state lotteries as a form of revenue generation for general or even specific purposes. Huge gaming industries have developed around this propensity to wager on chance events, including companies which manufacture gaming devices; and, casinos, such as those in Las Vegas, Nev.

Perhaps the most popular general class of non-mechanized game (as opposed to mechanized slot machines) is the card game, in its various forms, whether with conventional cards or by use of video screens, such as video poker. Other renditions of electronic poker and complex electronic games of chance also exist. Many card games are adapted to a standard fifty two card deck containing four suits of thirteen cards ranked from ace through deuce in each suit. In order to add interest to the game, as well as requiring some judgment skills on the part of the players, most such games have developed relatively complex rules of play.

While many seasoned players may find such complex games to be more interesting than simpler games, these complex games can be confusing to the recreational payer, as well as requiring a great deal of skill. Since money is wagered, these games are often intimidating to the occasional player and require more concentration than he or she is willing to devote to this pass time. Thus, many novice or recreational players tend to avoid these games. Not only does this avoidance deprive the player of the entertainment and thrill, but it costs the gambling establishment revenue.

One of the inherent fascinations with mechanized gambling, such as slot machines, is the ease of play. Although, some slot machines allow of variety of betting choices, all bets and combinations thereof are placed before the gaming wheel is spun. In this manner, even novice gamblers can quickly comprehend the rules and participate. Likewise, games like Black Jack, although somewhat more complicated to play, are popular because they rely upon relatively simple rules. Accordingly, simple games which use a standard fifty two card deck, which is readily adaptable to wagering and betting for casino games have become popular. Based upon this model, a relatively simple game using some of the aspects of cards adaptable to wagering and betting for casino use is needed.

Any such game must be relatively easy to learn and simple to play, but provide enough variety to hold interest, in order to attract beginning players and to avoid a requirement for long study of rules and/or practice of the game before having a consistent chance of winning. Therefore, having a house game of chance which allows wagering by one or more players based upon simple comparison between the “Player's hand” and the “Dealer's hand,” yet more interactive and exciting than a slot machine would be advantageous. These games, characterized as house games because the player plays against the house, and not other players, have a particular attraction to the recreational gambler who frequents the casino as a social event. Likewise, having a game which is adaptable to various medium, for example, cards, game pieces, electronic displays, and the like, would increase the availability of the game to a variety of players. For example, a game having simple rules, which could be adapted for electronic play (similar to Keno), in many kiosks located throughout the casino, would provide ease of play. In this manner, a single Dealer could service or accommodate many players located remotely either within or outside the casino floor (laws permitting.)

It will be realized by the skilled artisan that the foregoing discussion and examples as well as the scope of the illustrations related thereto are set forth as background only. Their intent is to be exemplary and illustrative of problems related to games of chance, as well as some prior attempts to address certain problems, at least in part. They are not, nor are they intended to be exclusive or exhaustive. Nor are they intended, in any manner, to be read as a limitation of the instant disclosure or the appended claims.

SUMMARY

A House Game of chance, wherein a Dealer and at least one Player are, each randomly dealt at least one Game Piece from a finite set of Gaming Media wherein each Game Piece contains at least one Characteristic set, each set having two or more recognizable Characteristics and a single Ranking Element such that at least two Game Pieces can be ranked, one in respect to the other. Players place Wagers against at least one Game Piece of the Dealer, predicated upon a Player's expected outcome of the Player's Game Piece(s) in relation to at least one Game Piece of the Dealer according to the game Rules. Then, according to the House Game, if a Player's at least one Game Piece displays the same Characteristic(s) and Ranking Elements higher (or lower), depending upon the Rules, than the Ranking Elements of the at least one Dealer's Game Piece(s), then the Player wins the Hand and the predetermined Wager, if not, the Dealer wins.

In accordance with the instant House Game, all Wagers are placed by Players prior to the Player observing at least the Ranking Element of the Dealer's Game Piece(s); and advantageously, both the Characteristic(s) and the Ranking Element of the Dealer's Game Piece(s). Thus, in accordance with the House Game, all Player Wagers must be finally placed prior to the Dealer revealing at least the Ranking Element of at least one of his Game Pieces against which the Wagers are placed. In one aspect, the Player may receive one or more Game Pieces after the at least one Dealer's Game Piece is revealed.

The Gaming Media can be tangible or electronic. In one aspect, prior to the Dealer revealing his Game Piece(s), the Player, upon seeing the Player's Game Piece(s), has the option to surrender his Game Pieces and forfeiting a percentage of the Wager for that game Piece, for example, half of the bet (i.e., fold); or, the Player can increase the bet (similar to a double down of Black Jack.) In another aspect, the Dealer receives at least two Game Pieces and Players play against one or more, or a combination of the Dealer's Game Pieces against each of the Player's Game Piece(s) according to the Rules. In one aspect, the Player can select from a set of “Rules” prior to the termination of the Hand.

In a further aspect, Bonuses or Jackpots can be paid by the House for certain combinations of the Player's Game Piece(s) irrespective of the Dealer's Characteristics and Ranking Elements; or, in respect to one or more of the Dealer's Game Piece(s) using the premise of matching Characteristic(s) and ranking of Ranking Elements. Bonuses and/or Jackpots can be awarded a Player either as part of the Rules based upon the original Wager; or, as a result of an additional “trigger” Wager required in order to qualify for the Bonus and/or Jackpot.

The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, devices and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. In various embodiments, one or more of the above-described problems have been reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments are directed to other improvements.

DISCUSSION OF THE GAME NOMENCLATURE

As used herein, the following terms are meant to have the meanings hereinafter set forth. Bonus as used herein shall mean an amount equal to a multiple of certain of the Player's Wager(s), paid to a Player for obtaining a pre-set set of Game Pieces which is awarded a Player either as part of the Rules or as a result of an additional “trigger” Wager required in order to qualify for the Bonus. Characteristic as used herein means at least one distinctive feature of the Game Piece that selective Game Pieces have in common (such as the suits in a standard deck of cards) which can be initially concealed from the Players. Dealer shall mean the participant in a game who plays for the house and against all other Players in the game. Gaming Media as used herein is the means for supporting play, and capable of retaining at least one Characteristic and a Ranking Element such as cards, dominoes, electronic indicia and the like containing the set of all the Game Pieces. Game Pieces as used herein means a distinctive item or article of the Gaming Medium, (such as an individual playing card) which contains at least one Characteristic and a Ranking Element. Hand shall mean that set of placed Wagers against at least one of the Player's Game Pieces or a combination of the Game Pieces, irrespective of when dealt, which terminates play by revelation of at least the Ranking Element of at least one of the Dealer's Game Piece(s). House Games as used herein refers to a game of chance where play is between the Dealer or “house hand,” e.g. Black Jack, and, Players which is in contrast to games of chance where play is among Players, e.g. 5 card poker. Jackpot as used herein shall mean a set amount paid to a Player, irrespective of the Player's Wager, for obtaining a pre-set set of Game Pieces which is awarded a Player either as part of the Rules or as a result of an additional “trigger” Wager required in order to qualify for the Jackpot. Player shall mean a participant in a game of chance who is not the Dealer. A Ranking Element as used herein means a concealable number, symbol or icon carried on a Game Piece which is assigned a hierarchy, such as a numerical ranking, e.g. the ranking from 2 to “ACE” in a standard deck of 52 playing cards. Rules shall mean the structure of the Players Wager(s), the Bonuses and the Jackpot, as well as the winning ranking (greater or lesser) of the Ranking Elements for a given Hand. Wager(s) shall mean one or more bets against a single Hand of the game in accordance with the Rules.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with the instant game and method of playing the game, a Gaming Media, having a plurality of Game Pieces containing at least one of at least two recognizable Characteristics and a single Ranking Element such that at least two Game Pieces can be ranked, one in respect to the other, is provided. Game Pieces are randomly dealt such that a Dealer and at least one Player receive Game Pieces, according to the Rules, e.g. a Player gets a single Game Piece or multiple Game Pieces against which Wagers can be placed against each or a combination in a manner such that initially the Characteristic and the Ranking Element of the Dealer's Game Piece are not perceivable by any Player whether the Dealer's Game Piece(s) are dealt or not. Each Player may Wager against one or more of the Players Game Pieces, either alone or in combination, depending upon the Rules, either prior to the Player receiving his Game Piece(s) or after he receives his Game Piece(s), but prior to observing at least the Ranking Element of at least one of the Dealer's Game Piece(s), or a combination of the Dealer's game Pieces against which the Wager is made. A winning Hand is defined by a Player having at least one Game Piece upon which the Wager is made of the same Characteristic(s) as that of the Dealer at least one Game Piece or a combination of the Dealer's Game Pieces (depending upon the rules) and having a Ranking Element either greater or less than the Ranking Element (or combination) of the Game Piece(s) of the Dealer, depending on the Rules. A tie goes, for example, to the Dealer.

By comparing Game Piece(s) revealed by the Dealer with those of each Player, the outcome of the game may be quickly and easily determined according to the Rules of the Hand. There is no gambling skill involved, accept the placing of the Wager. Depending upon the Rules of the game, wagering scenarios may be employed to allow higher payoffs. More complicated betting, Bonus, and Jackpot schemes can be devised, such as, over/under, straight, two winning Game Pieces, matching more than one Characteristic, playing against a combination of Dealer's Game Pieces and the like. For example, increased payoffs and Bonuses or Jackpots can be offered by the house for “straight flush” (same single Characteristic consecutive Ranking Elements) hands or where all consecutive Game Pieces have a higher ranking (or lower ranking, according to the Rules of the game and the choice of the Player in placing his Wager before the Hand is dealt) than the Dealer Game Piece(s). Game Pieces can be dealt to each Player with a chance to Wager on each Game Piece or group of Game Pieces either prior to the time when the Dealer's Game piece(s) is revealed, or after, so long as all Players Wagers are placed prior to the revelation of the Ranking Element of Dealers Game Piece(s).

It will be realized that Wagers may be placed by the Players up until the Ranking Element of the Dealer's Game Piece(s) is revealed. Thus, in one aspect, a Wager can initially be placed by the Player and the Dealer may reveal his Game Piece Characteristic. Depending upon the Rules, all Wagers on Players Game Pieces not containing the Dealer's Characteristic are lost. The Player then may vary the Wager in respect to the remaining Game Pieces which match the Characteristic(s) of the Dealer's Game Piece. Likewise, the game may be played wherein there are multiple Characteristics, where Wagers are placed based upon the Player's Game Piece(s) Characteristic(s). Matching one or all of the Dealer's Characteristic(s) will result in the Player winning the Wager. The skilled artisan will appreciate that other scenarios are available without deviating from the spirit of the game.

The game is easy to learn, enjoyable to play, and fast paced for rapid turnover and good profit. The complexity and probability of winning, including Bonuses and Jackpots can be varied by altering the Rules. In addition, by varying the Rules, i.e. Bonuses, Jackpots, matching different Characteristic(s), and split bets, the House Game can be made more challenging for even more sophisticated Players. It will be realized by the skilled artisan that the Dealer has a fixed number of Game Piece per Hand in accordance with the Rules which dictate the relationship of the Player(s)' Game Pieces to those of the Dealer for a winning Hand. Play is terminated by the placement of Players Wager(s) against one or more of Player's Game Pieces and revelation of the Dealer's Game Piece(s) (at least the Ranking Element) against which the Player's Wagers were made.

The instant House Game can be played on many venues with any Gaming Media, as set forth below, wherein the Dealer's Game Piece is capable of initial concealment of first, the Characteristic and, finally, the Ranking Element, prior to all the Player'(s) initial Wagers being placed. In one embodiment, the Dealer takes more than one Game Piece to be played sequentially, or in combination against a select number of Player's Game Pieces according to the Rules. In accordance with this embodiment, a Player may be a winner if any Ranking Element of his Game Pieces are higher (or lower) in rank than either of the Dealer's Game Pieces and of the same Characteristic.

In accordance with an exemplary method of the House Game, the Dealer and Player(s) are randomly dealt a subset of Game Pieces. The order is of no consequence as long as the Game Pieces are dealt randomly. The Player(s) place Wagers on specific Player Game Pieces, or a combination of Player Game Pieces against one or more or a given combination of Dealer's Game Pieces prior to the Dealer revealing at least the Ranking Element of those Game Pieces. Once all Players' Wagers are placed, then the Dealer reveals his Game Piece(s) in play for the Hand. If any of the Player's Ranking Elements is higher (or lower) in rank, and of the same Characteristic, (or of the same number of Characters in case of multiple Characters) as the Dealer's element and/or elements, then the Player wins. If not, the Dealer wins.

It will be realized by the skilled artisan that numerous variations of the instant House Game are possible. For example, after the Player places his Wager in accordance with the Rules for the Hand, the Dealer can reveal only the Characteristic(s) of his Game Piece(s). In this manner, all of Player's Game Pieces not matching the Characteristic(s) are deemed to be loosing and Wagers for those Game Pieces are collected by the house. A new round of Wagers by Players can then take place in accordance with the Rules in respect to those Game Pieces having the same Characteristic(s) as the Dealer's Game Piece Characteristic prior to the Dealer revealing the Ranking Element of his Game Piece(s). In this manner, Players can engage in a second round of wagering based solely upon the Ranking Element of their Game Piece(s) in respect to that of the Dealer's.

This House Game can be played with one or multiple bets which comprise a Wager for a single Hand. In the case of the multiple bets, the bets can be of the same amount of units or different amounts of units. Additionally, when there is more then one Game Piece dealt for the Player, the Game Pieces can be grouped together in reference to their corresponding bets. For example, Bonuses can be won which depend upon the sequences of the Player's Ranking Elements either with respect to the matching Characteristic(s) or irrespective thereof. For example, if some and/or all Player's Game Pieces are of the same Characteristic and greater than the Dealer's Game Piece Ranking Element and/or Ranking Elements and sequential in their rank, the Bonus may be assigned to such combination. These Bonuses can be awarded without an additional bet on the part of the Player, or the availability of the Bonus is predicated upon the Player placing a bet for the Bonus or some combination thereof.

Characteristics

The Characteristic(s) of the Game piece may be a single set or multiple sets according to the desired aspect of the House Game which is to be played. In accordance with one aspect, Game Pieces can carry more than one Characteristic, which may be matched by Players' Game Piece(s) (either one or more) in order to qualify to win the Wager. In accordance with this aspect, the Game Pieces may contain two or more Characteristics which may be matched initially (according to the Rules) prior to determining a winning Hand by determination of the relative value of the Ranking Elements between the Dealer's Game Piece(s) and the Players' Game Piece(s). The Rules may require matching of both Characteristics of the Dealer's Game Piece and/or either. Thus, the Game Pieces containing more than one Characteristic can be used both individually and in combination, according to the Rules in order to describe a winning Hand.

Thus, for example, if a single playing card contains a “heart” and a “diamond” this yields the same result as the combination of two playing cards, one having a “heart” and the other a “diamond.” In each case the Characteristic on each individual playing card can represent a Dealer's position in respect to a particular Wager; or, the combination of the Characteristic can likewise represent a separate position. Thus, with a standard deck of 52 playing cards, for example, two decks can be used with one having a white face and another a gray face. These “face colors” can thus comprise a second set of Characteristics to be matched depending upon the Rules of the House Game.

House Play

As previously set forth, this game is a House Game designed for casino play. Thus, a Dealer, who plays for the house, plays against each Player. Wagers, in accordance with the game Rules, for each Hand, including Bonuses or Jackpots, are paid by the house. Thus, the game is able of a house percentage based upon probable Hand outcomes.

Venue

As previously discussed, the instant House Game can be played on any venue that supports the gaming media, including the Game Pieces having Characteristic(s) and Ranking Element(s). The venue can be stand-alone or interactive, either “live” or computer generated. In accordance with one aspect, a stand-alone unit, similar to a slot machine or video poker configuration, can be used. In this configuration, a random number generator is used to deal, for example, playing cards on a video screen or mechanical representations are generated through, for example, series of rollers. In this configuration, there is no “live” interaction between the Dealer and the Player and all winnings or loosing relate to a single generated hand(s) played by the individual Player.

In accordance with another venue, the instant House Game can be configured as, for example, a board game, similar to “Monopoly” or the like, where Dealer and Players receive chips and, for example, cards are dealt to each Player who then plays against the house (Dealer). In another aspect, a “live” table venue can be utilized, similar to Black Jack, in the casino environment. In accordance with this aspect, for example, cards are dealt to a number of Players by a “live” Dealer using, for example, a “card shoe” in a standard manner. In accordance with this aspect, the table may contain markings in accordance with the Rules of the game to make Wagering against options easier for the Players.

In accordance with still another venue, an interactive kiosk configuration can be used. This can either be via centralized server/Dealer, which is a computer random number generator, similar to the stand-alone kiosk, above described. In accordance with this aspect, however, the Player at an individual kiosk is in real-time interactive communication with the server/Dealer. In accordance with this aspect, computer generated electronic voice interaction is also available to add reality to the game. In another aspect, remote electronic kiosks are used with a “live” Dealer. In this aspect, cameras are used to transmit actual Hands as held by the Dealer and/or Players at each kiosk. Voice interaction between the Dealer and Players (to stimulate the table play) may also be used in accordance with this aspect.

Gaming Media

The present game of chance, including the method for playing, is capable of play using either tangible, e.g. cards, dominoes; or, electronic Gaming Media. The game can be played with any of Gaming Media having a set of elements (Game Pieces), for example: the standard 52-card deck, partial deck, modified deck, or multiple decks. In one embodiment, video cameras or other scanning device can be used; or, an electronic medium used as a platform to support the game. Video screens and the like can be used to display conventional Game Pieces to allow remote play. Electronic medium can be used to create unlimited number of Players connected to one Dealer. The electronic medium, in accordance with the instant game, can be, for example, wired or wireless, kiosks connected to a central station wherein the Dealer can cause the Game Pieces to be distributed in accordance with a particular “Hand.”

It will also be realized that electronic medium must accommodate betting indicia, as well as means for banking credits and debits. This is similar to a slot machine wherein a Player, by using a credit card or feeding various denomination bills into a slot, is able to obtain credits against which particular bets are placed, i.e. the Player's account. In this manner, winnings and loosing can automatically be added and subtracted respectively from a particular Player's account. Thus, like slot machines, electronic kiosks can be placed at locations throughout a casino floor, and the Player does not have to be in actual visual contact with the Dealer. This creates the opportunity for the Player to participate in a live table game in the environment of his/her choice.

In one aspect, the electronic medium can be used to generate electronic congratulations, sound and light, mini cartoons and the like to entertain the Player during the game. The Player can receive electronic entertainment and/or advertisement depending on provider's wishes, also chat room with game provider and other Players. The Player can choose which “table position” to play prior to dealing, if desired, for each Hand. The games can be recorded electronically for security and any dispute resolution. It will be also recognized that the game can be played by Players against an automated Dealer wherein a mechanized random generator is used to deal the Game Piece to each Player, as well as the Dealer, and then carry out the process of the game paying winners and collecting from losers.

Players

The number of Players able to participate in the game is limited only by the space available when playing with tangible Game Pieces, but is not so limited when Players are playing with electronic media or tangible media connected by an electronic interface such as camera, or scanners, whereby the Players can observe or be informed as to the Characteristic and Ranking Element of the Dealer's Game Piece(s). Since the house (Dealer) plays against all Players, there is no limit to the number of Players who can play. It will be realized that a given game is governed by a specific set of Rules, i.e. number of Game Pieces dealt and the wagering scenario for each Game Piece. Therefore, the instant game can support multiple Dealer-Player relations with a specific Dealer supporting a specific set of Rules, which may include Wager limits. Gaming Pieces

In accordance with the game, Game Pieces are provided with at least two Characteristics which make them discernable one from the other. For example, when a standard deck of playing cards is used as the Gaming Media, the suits (hearts, clubs, spades, and diamonds) comprise the Game Piece Characteristic. Thus, two cards, no matter their Ranking Element, containing a heart Characteristic, are said to have the same Characteristic. In another aspect, a single Game Piece may have more than one Characteristic, e.g. playing with two decks of cards where one deck has blue face background and the other deck a white face background. The determination of winning may involve the matching of either the suite, or color of background, or both.

In accordance with the Gaming Media, a Game Piece can have any designated Characteristic which is not discernable to a Player prior to the Game Piece being dealt. The Player Game Piece(s) may be dealt to reveal the Characteristic(s) and/or the Ranking Element or not. For example, when a standard playing card is dealt face down, the suit is not discernable to the Players. In one aspect, the Characteristics, which involve perceptible shapes or notches in the Game Piece, are acceptable if the Ranking Element is concealed prior to wagering.

Any marking, which can be placed on the Game Piece, which is designated as a Characteristic to be matched, is acceptable. Thus, pictures or drawings of, for example, lemons, strawberries, peaches, or the like, may be used. Colors such as black, white and the like may be used. It should be realized by the skilled artisan that as long as the above criteria are met, any discernable Characteristic designation on a Game Piece can be utilized and is intended to be in the scope of the appended claims.

Ranking Element

Likewise, the Ranking Element may be of any marking or character which is understood by the Players to have a specific ranking or order one with respect to the other. Again, as with the Characteristics, the Ranking Element can not be discernable to the Players until reveled. For example, in a standard deck of cards the Ranking Element comprises a number from two to ten and then comprises so called “face cards”: jack, queen, king, and finally, a non-face card designated as an “ACE” characterized by an “A” on the card. In this ranking sequence, a combination of numbers and pictures along with corresponding letters, e.g. J, Q, K, and A, are used as Ranking Elements. Thus, for example, a traditional domino, having a face of a particular color corresponding to the recognizable Characteristic and carrying thereon a specific number of embedded dots corresponding to the Ranking Element will suffice.

Wagering

The game can be played with one or multiple Wagers as above described. In the case of a multiple Wager, the Wagers can be of the same amount of units or different amounts of units. Intermediate Wagers are possible prior to any Game Piece being dealt or upon a Player seeing his Game Piece, but no wagering is allowed after the Dealer reveals his Game Piece(s) for the Hand, although wagering can accompany the revelation of only the Dealer's Game Piece(s) Ranking Element as previously described.

Additionally, when there is more then one Game Piece dealt to the Player and or the Dealer, the Game Pieces can be grouped together as corresponding to a particular Wager(s) in accordance with the Rules of the Hand. Bonus play is also available in accordance with the Rules, for example, as an extra predefined amount or multiples of the Wagers can be given to the Player, beyond the initial winnings, if, for example, all of the Player's Game Pieces having the same Characteristic are of greater Ranking Element than the Dealer's for a single Hand as set forth above.

In addition, this game can incorporate Jackpots which are not tied to a Wager(s) but may require an additional “trigger” bet to participate. This may, for example, depend upon sequences of the Player's Ranking Elements. For example, if some and/or all Player's Ranking Elements are of the same Characteristic, greater than the Dealer's Ranking Element and/or Ranking Element are sequential in their rank, a Jackpot is assigned to such combination. Likewise , they may depend upon a sequence of Game pieces having the same Characteristic or set of Characteristics (flush)

EXAMPLES

In order to better understand the instant House Game, the following examples are presented, without limitation. Example 1: Using a standard deck of 52 playing cards as the Gaming Media wherein the Characteristics are the four suits and the Ranking Elements are from 2 (lowest), 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, J, Q, K, A (greatest) such that each Game Piece (card) has a unique Characteristic and Ranking element only discernible when the card is turned faced up. In accordance with the game, Player selects Rules such that he wins if the card(s) in his hand has a Ranking Element greater than Dealer's card Ranking Element of the same Characteristic. In the first Hand, according to the Rules, Player must place a Wager prior to any cards being dealt. Then, the Dealer deals the Player and himself, each, one card face down. The Player and the Dealer, each turn over their single card and, if the Player's card matches the Characteristic of the Dealer's card, i.e. same suit, and the Player's Ranking Element is higher than the Dealer's, the Player wins the Wager, otherwise, the Dealer wins the Wager.

Thus, if the Dealer's card is a heart, and the Player's card is a spade, regardless of the Ranking Element of Player's card, the Player looses. But if Dealer's card is a heart, and the Player's card is a heart, Player wins if the Ranking element of his card is greater than that of Dealer's card. So, if Dealer has a five of hearts and Player has a six of hearts, Player wins the Wager. Thus, the relative difference between the Ranking Element of Player's card and Dealer's card makes no difference. Therefore, if the Player has a six of hearts or an ACE of hearts, the winnings are the same. Example 2: the Wager is placed after the Player sees his card, but prior to the Dealer showing his card. Otherwise, the outcome is the same. In this example, the Player has an advantage of seeing the ranking Element of his card prior to wagering. If it is high in Ranking Element, it is more “valuable” than one low in Ranking Element, even though the Characteristic(s) are as yet unknown. One can see that otherwise there is no difference, except the Player sees his card prior to betting. Example 3: In this example, the color (pattern) of the back of the card is also a Characteristic and more than one deck is used. In this game the Rules allow placement of Wagers after seeing this first Characteristic of the Dealer's card as well as this Characteristic of the Players card. If the Game Piece is a colored domino the same is possible, such that a Wager is placed by Player after he sees the Characteristic of both the Dealer's Game piece and his Game Piece. In this example, the second Characteristic (suit) is not seen prior to placement of Wagers. Matching of both Characteristics carries a higher winning than only a single Characteristic match.

Example 4: In this example, two standard decks of playing cards, as described above, are used, wherein one has a grey face and the other a standard white face, such that the color of the card face becomes a Characteristic not discernable when the card is dealt face down. In this example, as in Example 1, the Rules require a match of Characteristic, with the Player's card of higher ranking than that of the Dealers winning the Hand, except that the Player must match two Characteristics in order to win. Example 5: In example 5, using the same two decks, the Rules are changed, such that the Player may win by matching either Characteristic (suit or face color) of the Dealer's card. There is a Bonus for matching both Characteristics. As can be seen by the skilled artisan, the probability of the Player's winning this game is much greater. As can be seen, the House Game can be played against either of Dealer's Characteristics, or against both Characteristics.

Example 6: In Example 6, using the same two decks of cards, two cards are dealt the Player upon which a Wager can be placed on either against the Dealer's single card with the Rules remaining the same as in Example 4. Example 6: In accordance with Example 6, a video screen is used to display the Game Pieces at the Player's kiosk. The Game Pieces can be, for example, a standard deck of 52 playing cards, as in previous examples, but the cards are displayed electronically and betting is accomplished by buttons on the kiosk in a manner similar to slot machine wagering, such that the Player is able to place Wagers against one or more cards on the screen in accordance with the Rules.

Example 8: In Example 8 an electronic display is used with a standard deck of 52 playing cards. In this game there are 2 decks with one deck having a blue face back ground color and the other white so that the face background is not decernable when the card is face down. Each Player makes a Wager of one unit bet for the first bet on the computor and computor caculates three times that unit bet for the second bet, and five times that units bet for the third bet. Each bet represents a play as will be described. Each Player is dealt three cards face up and the Dealer two cards face down. After the Player sees his hand ,but is not aware of the Dealer's, the Player can: 1.) to contiune playing the original 3 bets, 2.) surrender his hand and retain half of his Wager (fold), or 3.) double all 3 bets. Additionanally, if the Player does not fold, he can make a choice as to whether he wants to play this Hand against either one of Dealers cards (“choice 1”) or both of Dealer's cards(“choice 2”).

The Dealer then reveals his cards. In choice 1, the Player has choosen a single one of Dealer's two cards to play against. If at least one Player's first three cards is of the same suit, and of the same back ground color, and greater Ranking Element than the chosen Dealer card, then the Dealer doubles all three bets of the Player and the Player wins the Hand. If the Player looses, i.e. at least one of his first three cards is not of the same suit, and of the same back ground color, and greater Ranking Element than the chosen Dealer card, then the Dealer takes the first bet, and deals the Player a 4^(th) card.

If Player's fourth card is of the same suit, and of the same background color, and greater Ranking Element than the chosen Dealer card, then the Dealer doubles 2^(nd) and 3^(rd) bet and the Player wins the Hand. If 4^(th) card is not of the same suit, and of the same background color, and greater Ranking Element than the chosen Dealer card, the Player loses his 2^(nd) Bet and the Player is dealt a 5th Card. If Player's 5th card is of the same suit, and of the same background color, and greater Ranking Element than the chosen Dealer card, then the Dealer doubles the 3^(rd) bet and the Player wins the Hand. If 5th card is not of the same suit, and of the same back ground color, and greater Ranking Element than the chosen Dealer card, the Player loses his 3^(rd) bet and the game is over.

In choice 2, the Player has choosen both Dealer's two cards to play against. If the Dealer has two cards of the same suit, and the same background color, then the Player must have only one card of that suit and background color that is higher in Ranking Element than either of Dealer's cards to win. In the event that the Dealer has cards of different Characteristics, i.e. a “heart” and a “club,” and/or different background colors, then the Player must have at least two cards, each with the suit matching each of the suits of the Dealer's cards as well as the background color matching the card of the same suit wherein both of Player's cards for the matching suit and matching background color must be of higher Ranking Element than that card of Dealer's of the same suit and background color.

In accordance with the instant House Game, the Player may play for Bonuses. For example, if the Player's first three cards are of the same suit (a flush) as one of the Dealer's cards and of greater Ranking Element than the Dealer's card, then a special Bonus of, for example, 5 bet units will be given to Player. If the first three Player's cards are a “straight flush” of the same suit as the Dealer's card and of greater Ranking Element than the Dealer's card, then a special Bonus of, for example, 10 bet units will be given to Player. If the first four Player's cards are of the same suit as one of the Dealer's cards and of greater Ranking Element than the Dealer's card, then a special Bonus of, for example, 20 bet units will be given to Player. If the first four Player's cards are a straght flush of the same suit as one of the Dealer's cards and of greater Ranking Element than the Dealer's card, then a special Bonus of, for example, 40 bet units will be given to Player. The skilled artisan can understand that many varaiations are possible depending upon the house percentage and the Rules of the game.

If the first three Player's cards are a flush of the same suit and back ground color as the Dealer's card and greater than the Dealer's card, then a special Bonus of 10 bet units will be given to Player. If the first three Player's cards are a straght flush of the same suit and back ground color as the Dealer's card and greater than the Dealer's card, then a special Bonus of 20 bet units will be given to Player. If the first four Player's cards are a flush of the same suit and back ground color as the Dealer's card and greater than the Dealer's card, then a special Bonus of 40 bet units will be given to Player. If the first four Player's cards are a straght flush of the same suit and back ground color as the Dealer's card and greater than the Dealer's card, then a special Bonus of 80 bet units will be given to Player. If all five Player's cards are a flush of the same suit and back ground color as Dealer's card and greater than the Dealer's card, then a special Bonus of 2000 bet units will be given to Player. If all five Player's cards are a straght flush of the same suit and back ground color as Dealer's card and greater than the Dealer's card, then a special Bonus of 4000 bet units will be given to Player. If all five Player's cards are a Royal flush of the same suit and back ground colo as the Dealer's card, then a special Bonus of 8000 bet units will be given to Player.

While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof. It is, therefore, intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations as are within their true spirit and scope. All of the games and methods disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the games and methods of this invention have been described in terms of embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the games and methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the methods described herein without departing from the concept, spirit, and scope of the invention. 

1. A house game of chance comprising: a.) a gaming medium having a number of unique game pieces wherein a single game piece displays at least one set of characteristics wherein each set has at least two unique characteristics; and, a unique ranking element such that at least two game pieces can be ranked one with respect to the other; b.) a game participant set comprised of a house dealer and at least one player; c.) a dealing sequence wherein the dealer and each at least one player each receive at least one game piece such that at least the ranking element of the dealer's gaming piece is not initially perceivable by the at least one player; d.) a wagering scheme such that each at least one player bets on at least one game piece against at least one game piece of the dealer, prior to knowing at least the ranking element of the dealer's at least one game piece, against which the wager(s) is made; and, e.) a playing scenario such that at least one player who has at least one game piece which is of the same characteristic set and of the same characteristic within the set, as the at least one game piece of the dealer, but is of a different ranking element depending upon rules for that hand, collects the bets, otherwise, dealer collects the bet.
 2. The game of claim 1, wherein the game is electronic.
 3. The game of claim 1, wherein there is a single set of characteristics.
 4. The game of claim 1, wherein there are two sets of characteristics.
 5. The game of claim 1, wherein each player bets on at least one game piece against at least two game piece of the dealer either singly or in combination.
 6. The game of claim 1 wherein the game includes jackpots and/or bonuses.
 7. The game of claim 6 wherein the player is eligible for the jackpots and/or bonuses by making an additional wager.
 8. The game of claim 1 wherein the wager is placed by the player prior to the revelation of the characteristic and the rank element of the dealer's game piece.
 9. The game of claim 1 wherein the wager is placed by the player prior to the revelation of only the rank element of the dealer's game piece.
 10. The game of claim 1, wherein the gaming media is at least one standard deck of 52 playing cards.
 11. A method of playing a house game of chance between a dealer and at least one player with a gaming medium having a number of unique game pieces wherein a single game piece displays i.) at least one of a set of characteristics wherein each set has at least two unique recognizable characteristics; and, ii.) a unique ranking element such that at least two game pieces can be ranked one with respect to the other, comprising the steps of: a.) dealing gaming pieces so that the dealer and each of the at least one player each receive at least one game piece so that at least the ranking element of the dealer's at least one game piece is initially not perceivable by any at least one player; b.) wagering by each at least one player by betting on at least one game piece against at least one game piece of the dealer, prior to knowing at least the ranking element of the dealer's at least one game piece, against which the wager(s) is, c.) playing the hand by revealing the dealer's at least the ranking characteristic of the dealer's at least one game piece and a paying the wager to the at least one player who has at least one game piece which is of the same characteristic set and of the same characteristic within the set, as the at least one game piece of the dealer, but is of a different ranking element, depending upon rules for that hand.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the gaming media is generated electronically.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein there is a single set of characteristics.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein there are two sets of characteristics.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein each player bets on at least one game piece against at least two game piece of the dealer either singly or in combination.
 16. The method of claim 11 wherein the game includes jackpots and/or bonuses.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein the player is eligible for the jackpots and/or bonuses by making an additional wager.
 18. The method of claim 11 wherein the wager is placed by the player prior to the revelation of the characteristic and the rank element of the dealer's game piece.
 19. The method of claim 11 wherein the wager is placed by the player prior to the revelation of only the rank element of the dealer's game piece.
 20. The method of claim 11, wherein the gaming media is at least one standard deck of 52 playing cards. 